Guided Imagery for Head and Neck Cancer

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Colorado, Denver

Disqualifiers: Dementia, Psychiatric instability, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

57 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this interdisciplinary pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of a guided imagery intervention to reduce radiotherapy-related symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with head and neck cancers relative to treatment as usual.

Research Team

Elissa Kolva

Principal Investigator

University of Colorado, Denver

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults aged 18-100 with confirmed head and neck cancer, including metastases from other tumors. Participants must be able to read and communicate in English, have no unmanaged psychiatric symptoms or dementia, and be starting radiotherapy at the University of Colorado Cancer Center. They need internet or phone access for remote meetings.

Inclusion Criteria

Initiation of RT at the University of Colorado Cancer Center

Ability to read and communicate in English

I can meet online or by phone.

Exclusion Criteria

Any individual who does not meet the inclusion criteria

Those who are determined, by mental health professionals, to be psychiatrically unstable

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Radiotherapy

Participants undergo radiotherapy with or without guided imagery intervention

7 weeks

Weekly visits for radiotherapy sessions

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after radiotherapy

4 weeks

1 visit (in-person), 1 visit (virtual)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Guided Imagery
• Treatment as Usual

Trial Overview The study tests whether guided imagery can help reduce anxiety and depression related to radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancers compared to usual treatment without this intervention. It's a pilot study focusing on feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness.

Participant Groups

Group I: Guided Imagery Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The GI intervention will include direct, written, and audio delivery of one of three GI vignettes (depiction).The patient will be able to choose one of the three vignettes.

Group II: Treatment as Usual Active Control 1 Intervention

The control, or treatment as usual condition, will include an orientation to radiotherapy from the clinic nurse coordinator.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Colorado, Denver

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,842

Recruited

3,028,000+